Hexavalent Chromium

Hazard Overview

What is hexavalent chromium?

Hexavalent chromium is one of several oxidation states of the element chromium and is commonly used in chrome plating operations to deposit a corrosion-resistant coating on metal parts. Hexavalent chromium is also produced when chrome metal or alloys containing chrome metal are heated to high temperatures, such as during the welding of stainless steel.

What are the hazards associated with hexavalent chromium?

Cr(VI) is known to cause cancer. In addition, it targets the respiratory system, kidneys, liver, skin and eyes.

Is there a special emphasis program associated with this topic?

Occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium falls within the OSH Division health hazards special emphasis program.

Solutions

What can I do to protect myself?

Employees working around chrome plating operations should ensure they are wearing the necessary personal protective equipment when working around these processes. Employees who are welding stainless steel and other high chromium content alloys should be sure to position the workpieces between themselves and the exhaust ventilation.

Your employer is required to provide respiratory protection in accordance with the respiratory protection standard, 29 CFR 1910.134, when ventilation is not sufficient to maintain your exposure below the permissible exposure limit.

What resources are available to assist employers?

Related presentations on welding and cutting for workplaces in general industry and construction, toxic and hazardous substances, respiratory protection, and hazard communication are available to assist employers to train their staff. The presentations should be modified to address site-specific conditions and hazards. 

In addition, example programs for hazard communication and respiratory protection can be used to assist employers in the development of their overall comprehensive safety and health program. A PPE hazard assessment  should be used to ensure that all PPE has been identified to protect the employee from exposure.

Additional resources can be found on the A-Z topics pages for respiratory protection, hazard communication, eyewash stations and emergency showers  and personal protective equipment. In addition, the NCDOL Library offers free safety and health videos and related research assistance on consensus standards (i.e., ANSI, NFPA, NEC). The education, training and technical assistance bureau provides free online safety and health training and outreach services (i.e., speaker's bureau requests, safety booths) upon request.

Regulations

Which standards apply?

OSH has adopted the following standards for occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium in North Carolina:

• 29 CFR 1910.1026 - general industry

• 29 CFR 1915.1026 - maritime

• 29 CFR 1926.1126 - construction

Other OSH standards referenced in the hexavalent chromium standards, or may be applicable include:

General Industry

• 29 CFR 1910 Subpart I - personal protective equipment

• 29 CFR 1910.134 - respiratory protection

• 29 CFR 1910.141 - sanitation

• 29 CFR 1910.1020 - access to employee exposure and medical records

• 29 CFR 1910.1200 - hazard communication 

Construction

• 29 CFR 1926.51 - sanitation

• 29 CFR 1926.55 - gases, vapors, fumes, dusts, and mists

• 29 CFR 1926.353 - ventilation and protection in welding, cutting, and heating

Learn More

Where can I learn more?

• Additional information on hexavalent chromium can be found in A Guide to Hexavalent Chromium Cr(VI) for Industry.

• Compliance directive CPL 02-02-074, Inspection Procedures for the Chromium (VI) Standards, establishes enforcement procedures and provides an explanation of the hexavalent chromium standards to ensure uniform enforcement.

• Industry Guide 48 - OSHA Construction Industry Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training provides requirements for standards related to occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium.

• Industry Guide 49 - OSHA General Industry Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training provides requirements for standards related to occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium.

If you would like to receive interpretive guidance on this or any other OSH standard or topic, you can submit your questions using the Ask OSH web form, by e-mail to ask.osh@labor.nc.gov or by calling 919-707-7876.